A benefit of traveling with CIE is that tourists are able to start their trip flying into Dublin and flying out of Shannon without having to backtrack by land, whether traveling independently or with a group. Escorted tours hitting the highlights of Ireland are available with stays in first class hotels, or for about double the price there are upgrades to luxurious stays at castle hotels and deluxe lodgings. Prices for one week, including breakfast and dinner, start at $850 (land only). Self drive packages including car rental and overnight accommodations start at around $400 (all prices effective spring 2010).
CIE Tours International
10 Park Place, Suite 510
PO Box 1965
Morristown NJ 07962-1965
800-243-8687
cietours.com/us
The Irish are known for their storytelling abilities and for pub life, so Brendan's "Irish Pubs and Folklore" tour allows visitors to experience a slice of Irish life. All of Brendan's vacations hit many of Ireland's best-loved sites, like Galway Bay and Blarney Castle. Land only prices start at just $115 per person, based on double occupancy (spring 2010 prices). The company also has tours throughout Europe and other parts of the world.
Brendan
21625 Prairie Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311-5833
800-421-8446
brendanvacations.com
Isle Inn Tours and Sceptre Tours offer traditional escorted tours and self drive car rental and accommodations packages. For travelers who want a more active vacation, Isle Inn has week long walking, cycling, and golfing vacations. Runners can join one of their Irish marathon tours, which include registration in the race, if desired, or the opportunity to become a marathon volunteer or simply to enjoy being a spectator. Sceptre Tours has numerous week long golf vacations at different courses around the country, including tours that also travel to Scotland.
Isle Inn Tours
1023 Queen St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
800-237-9376
isleinntours.com
Sceptre Tours
875 Sunrise Highway
Lynbrook, NY 11563
800-221-0924
sceptretours.com
For tourists seeking the convenience and affordability of group tours without wanting to be tied down to a strict schedule or spending too much time on a coach, Tenon Tour's semi-escorted packages strike a middle ground. Tenon provides airport transfers, transportation between all cities, overnight accommodations, and daily traditional Irish breakfast, but travelers are on their own throughout the day. A guided tour to the Cliffs of Moher is included in the package, but travelers can otherwise customize their vacations by adding as many or as few optional tours as desired. Choices can be made from a long list of offerings, like an excursion to the Aran Islands, pub crawls, walking tours, or castle visits. Week long packages start at $1,000 per person (based on double occupancy, prices effective spring 2010).
Tenon Tours
40 Lowell Street
Peabody, MA 01960
866-998-3666
tenontours.com
Ireland is known for its strong Catholic heritage. Pilgrimages are touristic and spiritual journeys. Knock, a Marian shrine, is foremost on the Irish pilgrimage trail and is included in almost all religious trips to the country. Most Irish pilgrimages last ten or twelve days, but Renaissance Pilgrimages gives week long tours that include daily mass and visits to religious and general interest sights. Tours costs, including airfare from the U.S., full Irish breakfast and dinner daily, a tour guide and host priest, and a medieval castle banquet, start at $2,000 (prices effective spring 2010).
Renaissance Pilgrimages
P.O. Box 451145
Garland, TX 75045-1145
866-295-8687
renpilgrim.com
